Latest KFF Health News Stories
High Court Rejects Challenge To The Health Law’s Individual Mandate
The case was led by the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, a conservative doctors’ organization, and the Alliance for Natural Health USA.
New Ariz. Gov. Doesn’t Address Medicaid Controversy
Gov. Doug Ducey did not tip his hand during his first State of the State speech on whether he will continue the legal defense of former Governor Jan Brewer’s expansion of Medicaid. Also in the news, Idaho’s governor urges the legislature to hold a hearing on a commission’s report about expansion benefits, and advocacy groups in Tennessee and Missouri seek a turnaround in their states.
Some State Marketplaces Face Bumps, Problems
Oregon is getting ready to lay off 61 exchange employees while officials in Minnesota and Colorado scramble to make fixes to their health insurance portals. In Maryland, a health law “navigator” company faces criticism.
In Your Mailbox Soon: 2014 Health Insurance Tax Reporting Forms
The Obama administration said Monday that it has sent out the necessary forms to consumers who received financial help from the government to buy coverage under the health overhaul.
First Edition: January 13, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: States Lose Innovation Lead; Health Lawsuit Worthy Of The Justices; Abortion Rules
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
A selection of health policy stories from California, Arkansas, Georgia, Washington, Illinois, Oregon, Florida, Colorado, Louisiana, Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Va., Calif. Govs. Detail Agendas, Unveil Budget Plans
Meanwhile, the New York Times reports on how GOP governors in states that also have Republican-controlled legislatures face dilemmas pitting pragmatism against ideology.
State Legislatures Key To GOP Strategy To Roll Back Abortion Rights
Also in the news, in Texas, anti-abortion groups are pushing for the exclusion of Planned Parenthood from receiving funds through a federal-state free cancer screening program for women; and, in Kansas, a doctor is barred from practice because of abortion referrals.
Smartphones And Fit Bits: Tech Tools Change Consumers’ Thoughts On Health
As these new tools increasingly gather information about individual’s health, news outlets examine what’s next for all that data.
Robots Used To Kill Bacteria, Help Treat PTSD
A growing number of hospitals are experimenting with robots that kill bacteria such as C-difficile to see if that helps them do a better job of stopping hospital-acquired infections. And physicians in the VA are participating in a pilot to help them treat veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder using IBM’s Watson computer to search medical records and literature more quickly.
Roche To Buy Majority Stake In Tumor Diagnostic Company
The deal in which the Swiss pharmaceutical giant would acquire a majority of Foundation Medicine illustrates the growing importance of genetics diagnostics in the treatment of cancer. Meanwhile, hospital operator HCA Holdings Inc, said it would report better-than-expected 2014 results as a result of increased admissions and ER visits.
Doctors Sued For Permitting Troubled Spine Surgeon To Operate
More than a dozen physicians who approved surgical privileges for a South Dakota doctor with a history of performing unnecessary surgeries and unprofessional conduct have been sued for allegedly acting in bad faith. Meanwhile, a cardiac-biomarker lab under federal investigation has cut ties with its sales contractor, reports The Wall Street Journal.
New Rules To Limit Nonprofit Hospitals’ Use Of Aggressive Tactics On Payments
Under the new rules for dealing with low-income patients, nonprofit hospitals will be required to offer discounts and some free care to certain patients, The New York Times reports. They must also determine whether a patient is eligible for assistance before referring a case to a collection agency.
GOP Eyes Sen. Warren As Key Vote On Medical Device Tax Repeal
Meanwhile, in advance of congressional action on Medicare physician payment, skilled nursing facilities go on offense with a campaign to avoid cuts and more detail on the Capitol Hill effort to limit transfers between Social Security and disability funds.
State-Run Exchanges Face Funding Requirement
Modern Healthcare reports that, as of this month, state-run insurance marketplaces are supposed to be financially self-sustaining, but many are ignoring this mandate. In addition, news outlets offer updates from Colorado and Washington.
As Health Law Becomes More Entrenched, GOP Divided Over Strategy
Despite their stated criticisms of the overhaul, more Republican governors are seeking or considering expanding Medicaid under the law, which can put them at odds with congressional Republicans who are fighting to overturn the legislation. In other news, a look at the tax changes required by the law and examining life in the “coverage gap.”
First Edition: January 12, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: GOP Ignores Health Law Benefits; Change On Employer Mandate Needed
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Research Roundup: Health Cost Burdens; Calif.’s Fair Price Law; Possible Effect Of Court Ruling
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
